Yoga teacher training courses have become increasingly popular in recent years. While you may be wondering that the programs are designed for individuals who want to conduct yoga classes, it is far from the truth. Most enrollees of yoga teacher training are enthusiasts who have no intention of becoming instructors. Their motivation for taking up the classes is to satisfy their thirst for knowledge. They want to know more about yoga as it may improve their performance or quench their yearning for enlightenment. Of course, a few individuals undergo yoga teacher training to become certified instructors. Whether you are a yoga practitioner looking to enhance their knowledge or an enthusiast seeking to pass on their learnings, there is a yoga teacher training class for you.
Important Considerations When Taking Up Yoga Teacher Training
The number of yoga teacher training studios has been growing continuously. Their programs are of varying durations and teach postures from different lineages. Learners may have to pay anywhere from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars for the courses. Selecting the right course may be confusing. A few considerations can assist individuals in choosing an appropriate yoga teacher training course.
Purpose of Yoga Teacher Training
Seekers of yoga teacher training must contemplate the purpose behind taking up the program. Different types of courses are available for yogis. Some are catered towards a transformational experience, while others are designed for professional teachers. Many individuals take up yoga teacher training to calm their nerves or manage anxiety better. The right program for you will depend on your objective for undertaking the course. Your motivation for considering yoga teaching training may change as you advance through the program. Many enrollers take yoga teacher training for themselves but may decide to help others after realizing the benefits.
Duration
Professional yoga teacher training courses may be of varying durations. Most of them provide 200 hours of training while the advanced programs are 300 hours long. The former covers basic yoga techniques, while the 300-hour courses are focused on intermediate and advanced curriculum. Some studios offer a combined course of 500-hours duration by integrating the 200-hour and 300-hour programs into a single training. Yogis who want to teach yoga may have to complete a 200-hour course at a minimum. However, studios may prefer teachers who will continue their yoga teacher training. Facilities imparting advanced yoga lessons may prioritize candidates who have completed a 300-hour course.
Type of Yoga Lineage
Practitioners must determine their yoga specialty. There are different types of yogas being taught today. The intensity and curriculum of one program may be different from another. It will determine the cost, duration, and purpose of the yoga program. The most popular types include Kundalini Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Iyengar Yoga,and Anusara Yoga. Other specialty yoga practices include Power Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Prenatal Yoga for pregnant mothers, and Aerial Yoga.
Yoga teacher training programs like Bikram Yoga are physically intensive. Participants burn a lot of calories, making them best for weight loss. On the other hand, Hath Yoga is a relaxed form of yoga that prioritizes meditation and relaxation. You can obtain more information regarding the type of yoga being taught in a program before enrolling in it.
Location and Size of Classes
You may find yoga teacher training schools in your locality as well as at serene locations across the globe. Popular yoga destinations worldwide include India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hawai’i (in the US). Yoga enthusiasts will need to spare at least a few weeks if they plan to undertake courses in a different country or state. They may be asked to spend an extra week to get accustomed to the climate and food of the area before they can start their training. However, these places offer a unique experience that may not be possible in a studio. The facilities or studios are located in a calm environment surrounded by greenery, away from the hustle and bustle of cities. If you can spare the time and want a change of scenery, consider one such yoga teacher training course. Individuals who can’t spare the time or want to attend classes locally can consider a yoga teacher training studio in their city. It won’t alter the experience as long as the class environment is conducive.
When enrolling in a yoga teacher training program, consider the number of participants in the class. The fewer the number of pupils, the more attention you will receive from the teacher. Choose programs with 6 to 8 pupils in each class, or at the worst, no more than a dozen.
Certification
Individuals who are serious about yoga teacher training may opt for a registered yoga teacher training school. The Bikram teacher training program and the Yoga Alliance certification program are quite popular. Certified courses meet a specific quality standard of yoga education. Besides yoga postures, you will also be taught the philosophy, anatomy, and physiology behind yoga, meditation, and teaching methodologies. It may involve an in-depth study of Yoga Sutras from the Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, or Patanjali. Even though these programs may be a bit expensive as compared to non-certified ones, you are assured of a good return on your investment.
Yoga practitioners who want to teach the art professionally may consider their future plans. They can teach at an existing school or open their own studio. Individuals who are planning to become professional yoga trainers may consider yoga teacher training at an institute where they may want to work in the future. It is best to ask the facility’s management if they hire students who have completed their courses successfully. Some practitioners may want to open a yoga studio or teach people at their residence. It is recommended only for individuals who already have a few years of coaching experience. If you are new to teaching, it may be a wiser option to teach at a yoga studio and establish your reputation as a coach and practitioner.
Completing a yoga teacher training course does not mean you have mastered the art. It is vital to practice yoga regularly so that you improve continuously and don’t forget the lessons.
